Criticism of West Germany’s indemnification laws for victims of Nazi persecution was expressed in the annual report presented here today to the United Nations Economic and Social Council by Dr. G.J. van Heuven Goedhart, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He pointed out that “some” provisions of the German law “are unsatisfactory.”
The UN High Commissioner reported that there is “reasonable hope” that the remaining DP camps in Europe may be reduced considerably in the next four years. He coupled this expression of hope for reduction of the refugee problem with a reminder that realization of the goal could be achieved only if governments continue contributing funds to the refugee program. Israel is among the nations that has contributed, he stated in his report.
Israel is also among the countries that has ratified two important documents relating to the High Commissioner’s work. One is the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. the other is a special document providing that countries are obliged to aid documentary searches for proof of death of missing persons.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
